The delegates of this year's Miss Guyana Universe Pageant were sashed and their sponsors officially announced at a lavish ceremony at Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel on Tuesday night.

The ceremony, which suffered a late start, began with the entrance of the 20 delegates, who, in a few breathtaking moments, managed to captivate everyone in attendance. Carrying themselves with rarely seen elegance and grace, which is great testament to the talents of trainer Lester Rauseo, their natural beauty was clearly accentuated by the stunning locally-designed gowns in which they were attired. The delegates caused quite a sensation, as more than a few wives were forced to remind their husbands of their presence.

Tuesday's ceremony was not confined to the mere parading of the delegates, however, as Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Gail Teixeira and franchise holder Odinga Lumumba offered insights into what the pageant could offer both the contestants, and the country.

Teixeira expressed her pride in the delegates for coming forward to be seen, while proudly representing Guyanese womanhood. She asked them to carefully look at the whole experience, since it would add to our lives and in the long run, all would be winners and better persons. She particularly noted the enriching benefits of pageants, creating bonds of friendship and sisterhood among contestants, while allowing them exposure at an international level.

The minister dismissed the dark-age criticism of pageants not being a positive step in women's development. She said that pageants were one way in which women could have creative expression. She also urged the contestants to relax and enjoy themselves.

Lumumba, executive director of the pageant, acknowledged the overwhelming support of the sponsors. Sharing his vision of the pageant's importance to Guyana's progress, Lumumba said: "We need to erase Jonestown (the 1978 mass suicide of the People's Temple cult) and show the world who we are, our beauty, our progress, our tranquility." He explained that this was his motivation to produce a professional pageant. He even hinted that in four years, Guyana could be a contender as the host country for an international pageant.

Speaking with Stabroek News afterwards, delegates revealed that while Sunday's swimsuit competition was fast approaching, they were more than prepared for the contest. They all exuded confidence that the hard work which they had invested would be their key to success.

The delegates and their sponsors are: Delegate 1: Lourianne Pluck - VIKAB; Delegate 2: Juanita Collins - Rayon House of Fashions; Delegate 3: Sissel Moore - Shortt & Friends; Delegate 4: Anita McPherson - American International School of Medicine; Delegate 5: Candacy Evelyn - Bascom Enterprises; Delegate 6: Petal De Santos - Grace Kennedy; Delegate 7: Shamaine Joseph - Infinity Boutiques; Delegate 8: Angelica Fredericks: Sheritan; Delegate 9: Mia Rahaman - GT&T; Delegate 10: Jonell David - Howard Associates; Delegate 11: Heera Ragubhir - Adzer Win Doors; Delegate 12: Sheneze Galloway - Executive Cabs; Delegate 13: Tandika Singh - Classic Developers; Delegate 14: Darda Harmon-Lewis - York and Horizontal Electrical; Delegate 15: Tamara Rodney - GTV; Delegate 16: Thandi McAllister - Roberts Enterprise; Delegate 17: Olivia Browne - Milex and Golden Coast Restaurant; Delegate 18: Asha Pieters - Car Care; Delegate 19: Bibi Faroon - Sybil's West Indian Market and International Restaurant (New York); Delegate 20: Cephauna Glasgow - Hinds Associates.